THE Mabalacat City government led by Mayor Crisostomo Garbo has commenced the release of back pay of 2,725 job order (JO) employees.
The JO employees did not receive their salaries during the previous year’s standoff between the Mayor’s Office and some members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) over a supplemental budget requested by Garbo.
The proposed budget included the compensation for the said employees, but Garbo did not have full support from the council.
However, after winning a second term, Garbo promised to work out an agreement with the newly constituted council for the payment of back wages due to the affected job order employees.
Recently, the SP approved the release of funds worth P42 million to cover the back wages.
"Para akong nakatanggap ng maagang Christmas bonus (I feel like I’m getting an early Christmas bonus)," an employee said while waiting for her turn during the distribution.
Rolly Quizon, another JO employee, thanked Garbo for fulfilling his promise to them.
"Magpasalamat kung maragul kang Mayor Cris at ena kami akalingwan itang pangako na tinupad na at dakal a saup kekami ing gewa na," Quizon said.